Pro
Amazing nature, kind people, comfortable infrastructure
Con
Too clowdy, sometimes unsatisfactory visibility
In a nutshell
Enjoy the nature, the history and the religion!
We decided to drive into los picos to see a couple of lakes. Seemingly out of nowhere a storm struck. Between the storm and my memories of truly treacherous mountain roads in Colombia that I was on as a child, I got really scared. I felt more comfortable covering my eyes when we hit those hairpins...
I'm a wuss.
Written Nov 15, 2010
In one of the hills to the side of the cathedral of Covadonga is a chapel that's been built into the side of the mountain. To get to it you walk though a lantern lit cave where you're instructed not to speak or take photos.
I snuck a photo from the chapel anyway. ; )
Written Nov 14, 2010
Covadonga's cathedral is at the foot of Los Picos de Europa. Needless to say this makes its surroundings a thing of beauty. The actual cathedral is made of an earthy, almost terracotta colored stone. It's quite large and located next to a fabulous looking five star hotel.
Updated Nov 14, 2010
It ia a great part of the district of the Western Massif and constitutes an interesting sample of the area's nature.
The place near the Lakes is the most popular spot for a number of climbing and hiking routes.
Every year, on 25th July, great rejoicing and jubilation heralds the holding of the Fiesta de Pastor (herder) in the lakeside area known as the Vega de Enol (vega, fertile meadowland). Horse races, a spinning contest and the demanding ascent of the Porra de Enol are just some of festivals.
Updated Apr 6, 2007
Address: 12 km far from Covadonga
Santina - the Virgin of the Battlefield and patron saint of Asturias. You can visit the cave, the museum and the church. "Santina de Covadonga" is a powerful, deeplu-rooted religious symbol that drows thousands of devotees every 8th September.
Written Apr 5, 2007
Address: Covadonga
Website: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Covadonga
The best way of exploring the myriad of corners and villages of the Picos de Europa is by car. If you're going from the Leon Region, take the N-625 national road wich leads into the Sajambre Valley. Another possibility from the Leon side is to go as far as the town of Riano and take the N-621 directly to the Valdeon Valley. One can get to this same area of the Picos de Europa by taking the C-627 from Palencia and cross the Pedrasluengas Pass. For those wishing to travel in from the Cantbrian coast, the road that serves as the main arteral route through these mountains is the AS-114, to get to it, take the N-634 (E-70) as far as the Asturian town of Arriondas or the Unquera, turn off onto the N-621.
Written Apr 14, 2007
It is possible to go to Covadonga Lakes (Enol and Ercina) two ways: by your own car and by bus. We came to Cavadonga by our car, but it wasn't possible to go to Lakes because a low visibility. The parking in Cavadonga was free, we left our car and bought tickets to buss. Ticket price was 10 EUR per one person. When bus was 3-5 km from Covadonga we understood why police didn't allow cars to go to the Lakes. Road was narroy in some places, we met fold, cows directly on the road. Sometimes the driver got sound signal before turnings - caution for other busses and animals. We were happy that we didn't drive ourselves.
Driver stoped near Lake Ercina for 1,5 hours and on the way back we had a short stop near Mirador de la Reina.
Written Apr 5, 2007
I decided to travel to Potes and Fuente De after my visit to Covadonga and took the AS-114.
This turned out to be the most challenging and windy road I have ever driven on! It is basically a road that goes alongside the river through the bottom of the canyon.
If you look at the photo, you can see the huge rock cliffs that you pass through,
Beware of the maniacs who want to speed past you and overtake on the bends!
Written Jun 25, 2005
It is not a big problem, but you can be aggrieved. Be attentively and don't step into a "cowbomb". There are many and many cows on muntains and they making "mine-fields" everywhere.
Written Apr 14, 2007
As I mentioned befor in my previouse tips there are many cows in the national park "Picos de Europa". Time to time there can meet bulls too. Animals are not agresive, they look very friendly, but it isn't a good idea to touch them. Animals are animals.
Unique Suggestions: If you became in a situation when too many cows around you, don't make quick and fast movings, try to control the situation and don't turn your back to animals.
Fun Alternatives: Just be atentive, don't boter cows.
Written Apr 14, 2007
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